Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:05:16-1:05:37

Why use ship categories instead of one tonnage allowance?

Ship classifications offered treaty negotiators a more enforceable system than an unrestricted aggregate tonnage allowance.

Treaty EvasionWashington Naval Treaty
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Question

Why restrict ship categories instead of allowing any fleet within a total tonnage limit?

Short answer

Total tonnage was easier to misrepresent, so separate classifications offered a more enforceable treaty.

Notes

A single total tonnage allowance would leave navies freer to choose their mix of ships. Aggregate displacement was considered easier to misrepresent than compliance with individual classifications. Separate categories therefore offered a more enforceable agreement, even if enforcement remained imperfect.